I have gotten a new gray tabby kitten and she is very afraid and hides often and will not let us pet her. Is this normal or is it because we just got her a few days ago.
2006-06-27 04:59:00 · 11 answers · asked by efredew347@rogers.com 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
cats are cats hon, the color and hair pattern dont matter. if you want your kitten to come out and play, when you feed her, run your hands through the food, or over the bowl, so food smells like you. then stop chasing her, just sit still and ignore her, she will probably come out after you stop showing interest in her hiding places.
after all what good is a hiding place if people still come and find you?
2006-06-27 05:06:09 · answer #1 · answered by marduk D 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is normal for all kittens. Here is the best way to get her acclimated:
Put her in a small, isolated area, such as a bathroom (top down on the toilet!) spare bedroom, or laundry room. If you don't have any small areas that are enclosed and quiet, you could use a large crate. (Like a dog crate.) Have her food and water available for her, along with the clean litter box, some cozy bedding, and some toys. Leave her alone in there for the first day to let her get used to the area. Then you can visit her in the room, talking to her and playing with the toys. If she runs away and hides, speak softly and sit quietly where she can see you. Do this until she seems comfortable with you. Gradually introduce her to the rest of the home as she gets more and more comfortable with you.
Don't chase her if she hides, or get upset if she hisses, she's just a baby and the new place is probably really overwhelming to her! She'll start to feel more and more comfortable with you as time passes. Also, try not to pick her up too much at first, just sit on the floor and pet her. You might be happily surprised if she climbs into your lap! =D Good luck with the new kitty!
2006-06-27 05:09:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tabby cats are usually friendly to one or two in the household and very loyal. You didn't say where you got your kitten or how old it is. She may be intimidated by larger surroundings than she came from. Wrap her in a soft small blanket (security) and hold her that way until she gets used to being handled and petted. Let her hide her head and talk softly to her - no loud noises yet. Just take it slowly and patiently and she should come around. Good luck with her.
2006-06-27 05:07:20 · answer #3 · answered by Decoy Duck 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, it's pretty normal. Kitty is away from her mommy, among strangers, and she's scared and lonely. If momcat's owners didn't take the time to handle the kittens and get them socialized to humans, that would aggravate the situation further.
Be patient and gentle and kitty will come around. Avoid scaring her. Approach her gently and quietly. Get down on the floor with her so you won't seem so big and imposing. Lie right down and let her approach you; when you approach her she may think you're chasing her. Don't push petting right away. Slowly offer her your hand to sniff. See if she wants to butt heads with you or rub her face against yours, which are normal kitty greetings and signs of affection. Ease into touching and petting her so you don't frighten her.
Make sure she sees where her food is coming from, too. She'll be more likely to trust you if she knows you're feeding her.
Don't be surprised if it takes more than a few days for kitty to feel comfortable with you. She'll be OK if you can just avoid scaring her and give her a chance to feel secure in her new surroundings and her new family.
2006-06-27 05:10:29 · answer #4 · answered by Mick 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The reason your kitten is skiddish is because she was not handled enought right after she was born. It will take time for her to become used to her surroundings, and you , as well. make sure you have food and water close to her hiding place, and a few mouse toys to coax her out. If you can catch her, put her in a warm towel and hold her still. Give her a pounce cat treat to show good will. Be gentle so she will understand that you are not trying to hurt her. do this a few times a day, and she will understand.
2006-06-27 05:07:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dont worry this is very normal! My cat Twinkie who i got last week was very afraid for a few days. Most cats do this because they are in a brand new place and they dont know if there something around the corner or not! I would just leave it alone for awhile and it will get used to the house and you! My cat Twinkie now loves the house and all of us! Well good luck with your new kitty and congrats!
2006-06-27 05:06:19 · answer #6 · answered by x55xm 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dear efrdew347@r:
I Have one gray tabby. you need to reassure her with little bits of food and gently pet her when she comes out of hiding, she needs time to adjust to her new surrounding. Give her some space she will come around with some tender loving care.
2006-06-27 05:13:33 · answer #7 · answered by wolf 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It isn't particular to any type of cat at all. They will all act this way in new settings. You should give her a nice place where she feels comfortable and safe. Remember too, she doesn't know you yet and isn't comfortable with your scent.
Give her time, don't crowd, give her exposure to your family.
One good way to get to know her and she you is to have an interactive cat toy that you both can play with.
2006-06-27 05:05:59 · answer #8 · answered by Ragdollfloozie is Pensive! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is she a feral kitten? She may just be shy or she may have issues.Be patient as coming to a new place is an adjustment. GOOd luck.
2006-06-27 05:04:49 · answer #9 · answered by ponygirl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
eh went I first got my siamese, it was about 3 days old, but if I don't pet her or hold her, she shivers and looks miserable, so she kind of grew up on my right shoulder....
2006-06-27 05:46:55 · answer #10 · answered by LemonBuzz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋